Making Days @The Reader is a new volunteering programme by PSS, based at The Reader in Mansion House, Calderstones Park. The programme supports people aged 18+ who have a learning disability and/or autism to build skills, gain experience and explore different career opportunities in a safe and supportive environment. People can volunteer across the Mansion House, including the bookshop, cafés, gardens and reception areas.

In a conversation with PSS, we noted that all the skills gained in these areas are very handy in event management. And so, PSS asked the Making Days members if they would like to “put their new skills to good use” and co-produce their end-of-term celebration in November 2026 with us. When the idea was put to the vote – that’s how things are done at Making Days – a large portion of the members wanted to work with us: not just on the event, but they wanted to learn the trade!

After careful consultation with PSS and Making Days, we put together a lesson plan to cover the basics of event management and have started teaching two groups. The enthusiasm of the participants has been overwhelming and we are so excited to see how they will develop over the course of the programme.

Watch this space for a new cohort of event managers who have the potential to change the events world. And who will definitely have a lot of fun planning and managing their celebration event.